Nidderdale Triathlon 9/9/23
I booked on to this at the end of May thinking it would be nice to do a sprint after the Steeleman. Since coming back from Majorca a few weeks ago and putting half a stone on I have struggled to get back in to any sort of fitness. I didn’t have to much of an aim I was just using this as a way to burn off some calories!
What I didn’t realise when I signed up to this event was that it was an afternoon race. It’s strange preparing for a race in the afternoon because you seem to be sitting around waiting all day. However, there were positives, I didn’t have to get up at the crack of dawn and I actually managed to eat something (normally I struggle to eat on a morning)
My start time was 14:22, I set off in plenty of time. I like to get organised. Also, before anyone asks no I didn’t get lost!
When I arrived, I went to registration and bumped in to John Foster, he has done this triathlon 3 times. I was glad he was there as it was a different set up to what I was used to! The transition was quite a trek from the pool so I put my towel, socks and trainers in the sports hall. I walked to transition and set up the rest of my things. I was ready in plenty of time, me and John stayed together and he gave me some useful tips and information about the bike and run course. Whilst in the sports hall a woman came out of the swim and actually used my towel to dry her hands! Bit cheeky I thought!
Swim 400M
I don’t know what I was thinking when I gave my estimated swim time of 8mins 30seconds. I must have been doing ok on a Friday session at the time! I was thinking I would have loads of people tapping my feet and getting annoyed at me. I was surprised to see that when I was waiting to get in the one person in the lane was doing breast stroke and not a particularly fast one at that! The timing official advised she would set me off when the swimmer got to the far wall of the 20-metre pool. I set off and I found it strange how small the pool felt. I had the breast stroker in my sights on length 4 but her toes were to far out of reach for me to tap them. This meant that at about 5 meters into the 5th length I was tapping on her toes but a little frustrated that I was stuck behind her for the rest of the length. It really took me out of my rhythm and slowed me down, as soon as she hit the wall I went past her. I didn’t catch her again and I got back into a rhythm and finished the swim. I could hear John cheering me on from the side-lines which was nice.
T1
Hauled myself out of the pool and ran into the sports hall, feet dried as much as I could, trainers on and started jogging to transition. Got sorted then off to the mount line with my bike.
Bike 20K
Course is an out and back route. I haven’t done much on the bike recently so was just thinking I’ll just enjoy it as the route was supposed to have great views. The route was undulating with a couple of short steep sections. I felt unable to enjoy the downhill bits on the way up as I was thinking how it would be uphill on the way back! I overtook a couple of people on the bike which was nice, I got to the 10K mark and had to turn onto a slightly raised kerb and then back down about 10meters further on. I found this strange as it made you slow right down. On the way back I saw John and we shouted encouragement to each other. On the approach to a slightly steep incline, I changed into the small cog in preparation and my chain came off. It was jammed but I managed to get it back on without losing to much time. The views were incredible and soon I was back to the leisure centre for the run.
T2
Felt like a big run from the mount line and was confused by all the red and white tape! wasn’t entirely sure how to get back to transition. Once I found my way in I got my bike racked, quick drink (which was hot due to the heat!), helmet and gloves off then off for the run.
Run 5K
After the trauma of the really bad chaffing from the Steeleman I had bought a pair of lycra shorts to go underneath my trisuit as well as covering my inner thighs with Vaseline. What I hadn’t considered was how hot wearing a double layer on my bottom half would be in all the heat of the day! But I am happy to report that I did not chafe at all, phew! The run was more of a trail run, the sun was beating down and not long after I started, I knew it was going to be a slog. The run was 2 laps, to be honest I was just trying to get through it. There was a bit of respite when the course took me through some trees which acted as shade. Apart from that I was just dying! I passed the water station twice and I picked up a drink on both occasions, I drank a small amount then threw the rest over myself. I saw John twice and we shouted each other on. I was given a band each time I did a lap and I was so happy when I was sent in the direction of the finish line! I didn’t think I would manage a sprint finish but you have to end in style so I mustered some speed from somewhere! I was so happy to be finished. I hung around the finish as I knew John wasn’t far behind! I cheered him over the line.
I would recommend this triathlon, especially for people who are new to the sport. It had a very friendly feel, the marshals were really nice and the bike route was lovely.
Results
Swim 10:21 – I don’t think this is how long I was in the water. I think the timing chip must have been nearer the transition area so this must take in to account me drying my feet and putting my socks on!
T1 – 1:39
Cycle 48:49
Run – a very slow 30:34
Total 1:32:40
66th overall, 24th female and 9th in my age category.
